Information processing system

ABSTRACT

An information processing system is disclosed which includes a plurality of information processing modules each for performing information processing; a storage device installed in each of the information processing modules for storing display data; a transmission request acceptance device installed in each of the information processing modules for accepting a display data transmission request; a recognition device for determining whether display data corresponding to the transmission request is stored on the storage device installed in the information processing module including the transmission request acceptance device accepting the transmission request; a transfer device for transferring the transmission request to a different module, if the recognition device determines that the display data corresponding to the transmission request is not stored; a display data getting device for getting the display data from the storage device, if the recognition device determines that the display data is stored; and a display data transmission device for returning the display data gotten by the display data getting device to a party making the transmission request.

This is a Division of application Ser. No. 09/085,046 filed May 27, 1998now U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,589. The entire disclosure of the priorapplications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an information processing system comprising adisplay section such as an operation panel for displaying setupinformation, etc., required for job execution.

Hitherto, considerable labor required for maintenance of software of anoperation panel provided for an information processing system hasresulted in a hindrance to function expansion of the informationprocessing system.

Thus, an art is designed wherein software of using parameter data foroperating an operation panel to control the operation panel is providedfor making it possible to expand the functions of the operation panel ofan information processing system simply by replacing the parameter data(the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 7-56668,6-243223, etc.,).

In recent years, a function for displaying and setting the state of aninformation processing system has been provided by a computer connectedto a LAN (Local Area Network) as disclosed in the Unexamined JapanesePatent Application Publication No. Hei 5-89069, 7-219811, etc.

To provide the function, external code information defined by MIB(Managed Information Block), ISO 10175 DPA (Document PrintingApplication), etc., is transferred between the information processingsystem and the computer. To do this, code information conversionsoftware is used to convert the external code information into internalinformation in the information processing system.

In this case, there is a problem that software that can interpret theexternal information needs to be installed in the computer. Then, an artis designed wherein a WWW (World Wide Web) server is installed in aninformation processing system and a protocol such as HTTP (Hyper TextTransport Protocol) is used to transmit display data that can bedisplayed by software generally installed in a computer, such as HTML(Hyper Text Markup Language).

By the way, a conventional information processing system is made up of anumber of hardware modules. For example, a complex machine comprising acopy function (copy module), a facsimile function (facsimile module),and a printer function (printer module) is designed.

A hardware module of an additional function can be added to the mainfunctions as the user desires, and a product satisfying the functionsresponsive to the application can be provided at a low price.

To add a new function to a printer, etc., an art of reading addition ofsetup items involved in the function addition from a file and forming adisplay screen is also disclosed in the Unexamined Japanese PatentApplication Publication No. Hei 6-149490.

FIG. 61 is a block diagram to show a configuration example of aconventional complex machine. In the figure, a copy module M10, afacsimile module M20, a printer module M30, and a print engine E1 arehardware modules each having a CPU (central processing unit). In theexample, an operation panel 11 does not comprise a CPU and is controlledby the CPU of the copy module M10.

This means that the copy module M10 is provided with an operation panelcontrol section 11 a as software of controlling the operation panel 11.The operation panel control section 11 a controls setting and operationof a facsimile function and a printer function as well as a copyfunction.

FIG. 62 is a block diagram to show another configuration example of aconventional complex machine. The complex machine also comprises a copymodule M10, a facsimile module M20, a printer module M30, and a printengine E1 like the complex machine shown in FIG. 61. An operation panel11 comprises a CPU and is provided with an operation panel controlsection 11 a for controlling setting and operation of a copy function, afacsimile function, and a printer function.

Code information defined by MIB, ISO 10175 DPA, etc., or codeinformation proper to the complex machine manufacturer similar theretois used as information transferred among the hardware modules in thecomplex machine.

However, in the art of replacing only the parameter data for operatingthe operation panel for expanding the operation section function of theinformation processing system, data in different formats, namely, theparameter data and the display data that can be displayed by softwaregenerally installed in a computer with a WWW server installed in theinformation processing system are used. Thus, the information processingsystem has the operation section parameter data and the computer displaydata separately and a problem of an increase in the data storage areaoccurs.

Moreover, since the information processing system has the operationsection parameter data and the computer display data separately, thedisplay contents on the operation section become different from those onthe computer, and data maintenance for matching them requiresconsiderable labor.

To make up an information processing system of hardware modules, in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 61, the copy module contains the operationpanel control section for setting and operating the facsimile functionand the printer function. Thus, to add a facsimile or printer modulefunction or a new hardware module, the copy module software needs alsoto be replaced.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 62, the operation panel contains theoperation panel control section for setting and operating the copyfunction, the facsimile function, and the printer function. Thus, to adda copy, facsimile, or printer module function or a new hardware module,it becomes necessary to replace the operation panel software.

Further, the information transferred between the hardware modules iscoded. Thus, to add new information to any hardware module, theoperation panel software needs to be changed. It is also possible topreviously install many expected functions in the operation panelsoftware to eliminate change in the operation panel software, but aproblem of putting the software into a large scale occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an informationprocessing system wherein if a function or a hardware module is added,setup information required for a display section as the function or thehardware module is added can be easily added.

To the end, according to the invention of aspect 1, there is provided aninformation processing system comprising:

a plurality of information processing modules each for performinginformation processing;

storage means being installed in each of the information processingmodules for storing display data;

transmission request acceptance means being installed in each of theinformation processing modules for accepting a display data transmissionrequest;

recognition means for determining whether or not display datacorresponding to the transmission request is stored on the storage meansinstalled in the information processing module including thetransmission request acceptance means accepting the transmissionrequest;

transfer means for transferring the transmission request to a differentmodule, if the recognition means determines that the display datacorresponding to the transmission request is not stored;

display data getting means for getting the display data from the storagemeans, if the recognition means determines that the display data isstored; and

display data transmission means for returning the display data gotten bythe display data getting means to a party making the transmissionrequest.

In the invention of aspect 2, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

identification information notification means being installed in one ofthe information processing modules for sending identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the one informationprocessing module to a different one of the information processingmodules;

identification information reception means being installed in thedifferent information processing module for receiving the identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the one informationprocessing module, sent by the identification information notificationmeans; and

identification information storage means being installed in thedifferent information processing module for storing the identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the one informationprocessing module, received at the identification information receptionmeans.

In the invention of aspect 3, the information processing system ofaspect 2, wherein

if display data accepted at the transmission request acceptance means isdetermined to be the display data that can be gotten in the differentinformation processing module, stored on the identification informationstorage means,

the display data request means transfers the transmission request to thedifferent information processing module.

In the invention of aspect 4, the information processing system ofaspect 2, wherein

the identification information notification means sends theidentification information of display data that can be gotten in the oneinformation processing module and identification information of displaydata that can be gotten in the different information processing module,already stored.

In the invention of aspect 5, the information processing system ofaspect 2, further comprising:

identification information response means for returning identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the differentinformation processing module and identification information of displaydata that can be gotten in any other information processing module thanthe one information processing module or the different informationprocessing module to the one information processing module,

if the identification information reception means receivesidentification information of display data that can be gotten in the oneinformation processing module.

In the invention of aspect 6, the information processing system ofaspect 2, wherein

the identification information storage means checks whether or not sentidentification information of display data that can be gotten in thedifferent information processing module is already stored, and wherein

the identification information storage means stores the identificationinformation additionally, if the identification information is notstored.

In the invention of aspect 7, the information processing system ofaspect 2, further comprising:

identification information renotification means, if the identificationinformation reception means receives identification information ofdisplay data that can be gotten in different information processingmodule, for sending identification information of display data that canbe gotten in the one information processing module and identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the differentinformation processing module, stored in the identification informationstorage means to any other information processing module than theinformation processing module sending the identification informationreceived at the identification information reception means.

In the invention of aspect 8, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

partial display data notification means being installed in the oneinformation processing module for sending partial display datainformation consisting of an area of the display data and quotationinformation required for quoting the display data area to the differentinformation processing module;

partial display data reception means being installed in the differentinformation processing module for receiving the partial display datainformation sent by the partial display data notification means;

partial display data storage means being installed in the differentinformation processing module for storing the partial display datainformation received at the partial display data reception means; and

display data combining means being installed in the differentinformation processing module for combining the display data area havingthe matched quotation information in the display data areas stored inthe partial display data storage means with the display data, if thequotation information is contained in the display data that can begotten in the one information processing module.

In the invention of aspect 9, the information processing system ofaspect 8, wherein

the partial display data notification means sends the partial displaydata information generated by the one information processing module andthe partial display data information generated by the differentinformation processing module already stored.

In the invention of aspect 10, the information processing system ofaspect 8, further comprising:

partial display data response means for returning the partial displaydata information generated by the different information processingmodule and partial display data information generated by any otherinformation processing module than the one information processing moduleor the different information processing module to the one informationprocessing module, if the partial display data reception means receivesthe partial display data information generated by the one informationprocessing module.

In the invention of aspect 11, the information processing system ofaspect 8, wherein

the partial display data storage means checks whether or not the sentpartial display data information generated by the one informationprocessing module is already stored, and wherein

if the partial display data information is not stored, the partialdisplay data storage means stores the partial display data informationadditionally.

In the invention of aspect 12, the information processing system ofaspect 8, further comprising:

partial display data renotification means, if the partial display datareception means receives partial display data information generated bydifferent information processing module, for sending partial displaydata information generated by the one information processing module andpartial display data information generated by the different informationprocessing module, stored in the partial display data storage means toany other information processing module than the information processingmodule sending the partial display data information received at thepartial display data reception means.

In the invention of aspect 13, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

identification information inquiry means being installed in the oneinformation processing module for inquiring identification informationof display data that can be gotten in a different one of the informationprocessing modules, of the different information processing module; and

identification information answer means being installed in the differentinformation processing module for answering the inquiry made by theidentification information inquiry means about the identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the differentinformation processing module.

In the invention of aspect 14, the information processing system ofaspect 13, wherein

if the inquired display data cannot be gotten, the identificationinformation answer means transfers the inquiry to an informationprocessing module other than the inquirer, and wherein

identification information answer means in the information processingmodule other than the inquirer answers the transferred inquiry about theidentification information.

In the invention of aspect 15, the information processing system ofaspect 1, wherein

the display data getting means generates display data containinginformation to reference display data that can be gotten from adifferent one of the information processing modules.

In the invention of aspect 16, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

communication means for enabling logical n-to-n communication by using aphysical transmission medium for connecting the information processingmodules in a one-to-one correspondence with each other.

In the invention of aspect 17, the information processing system ofaspect 16, wherein

the communication means enables communication between software membersin the same information processing module.

In the invention of aspect 18, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

data storage means for storing print data, image data, or voice data,wherein

the display data getting means generates display data containing listinformation of the data in the data storage means, list information ofpredetermined groups to which the data belongs, or reference informationto the data.

In the invention of aspect 19, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

file storage means for storing a program file, a description file, orany other file, wherein

the display data getting means generates display data containing listinformation of the files in the file storage means, list information ofpredetermined groups to which the files belong, or reference informationto the files.

In the invention of aspect 20, the information processing system ofaspect 1, wherein

the display data getting means generates display data containing listinformation of files stored in an external system connected to thenetwork, list information of predetermined groups to which the filesbelong, or reference information to the files.

In the invention of aspect 21, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

input means for reading a file stored in an external system connected tothe network from the external system.

In the invention of aspect 22, the information processing system ofaspect 21, further comprising:

file replacement means, if a different file having the sameidentification information as the file read through the file input meansis stored in the file storage means, for replacing the different filewith the read file, if a different file having the same identificationinformation as the file read through the file input means is not storedin the file storage means, the file replacement means for storing theread file in the file storage means.

In the invention of aspect 23, the information processing system ofaspect 21, further comprising:

file replacement means, if a different file having the sameidentification information as the file read through the file input meansis stored in the file storage means, for replacing the different filewith the read file, if a different file having the same identificationinformation as the file read through the file input means is not storedin the file storage means, the file replacement means for discarding theread file.

In the invention of aspect 24, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

file storage means for storing a program file, a description file, orany other file;

file operation input means for inputting identification information of afile from an external system connected to the network and commandinformation for adding, replacing, or deleting the file; and

file information input means for inputting the file referenceinformation to the file to be added or replaced if the commandinformation is to add or delete.

In the invention of aspect 25, the information processing system ofaspect 1, further comprising:

display data holding control means for managing display data stored onan external storage medium added to the information processing module.

In the invention of aspect 26, the information processing system ofaspect 1, wherein

the storage means is for storing a source data of display data; and

the display data getting means generates display data from the sourcedata.

In the information processing system of aspect 1, display data describedin a format that can be displayed on an external system connected to thenetwork is stored in the storage means, thus the display data read bythe display data getting means from the storage means is displayed onthe display section, whereby the same contents as displayed on theexternal system can be displayed.

In the information processing system of aspect 2, the identificationinformation notification means installed in one information processingmodule sends identification information of display data that can begotten in the one information processing module to a differentinformation processing module, the identification information receptionmeans installed in the different information processing module receivesthe identification information, and the identification informationstorage means stores the identification information, whereby thedifferent information processing module can know the display data thatcan be gotten in the one information processing module.

In the information processing system of aspect 3, if the display dataaccepted at the transmission request acceptance means is display datathat can be gotten in the different information processing module, thedisplay data request means can transfer the transmission request to thedifferent information processing module.

In the information processing system of aspect 4, the identificationinformation notification means sends the identification information ofdisplay data that can be gotten in the one information processing moduleand identification information of display data that can be gotten indifferent information processing module, already stored. Thus, theinformation processing module to which the identification information issent can know the display data that can be gotten in a number ofinformation processing modules.

In the information processing system of aspect 5, the identificationinformation response means returns identification information of displaydata that can be gotten in the different information processing moduleand identification information of display data that can be gotten in anyother information processing module than the one information processingmodule or the different information processing module to the oneinformation processing module, so that the one information processingmodule can know the display data that can be gotten in a number ofinformation processing modules.

In the information processing system of aspect 6, only if the sentdisplay data identification information is not yet recorded, it isrecorded in the identification information storage means additionally.

In the information processing system of aspect 7, the identificationinformation renotification means sends identification information ofdisplay data that can be gotten in the one information processing moduleand identification information of display data that can be gotten in thedifferent information processing module, stored in the identificationinformation storage means to any other information processing modulethan the information processing module sending the identificationinformation. That information processing module can know display datathat can be gotten in other information processing modules.

In the information processing system of aspect 8, the partial displaydata notification means installed in the one information processingmodule sends partial display data information consisting of partialdisplay data generated in the one information processing module andquotation information of the partial display data to the differentinformation processing module, the partial display data reception meansinstalled in the different information processing module receives thepartial display data information, and the partial display data storagemeans stores the partial display data information, whereby the differentinformation processing module can know the partial display datagenerated in the one information processing module.

In the information processing system of aspect 9, the partial displaydata notification means sends the partial display data informationgenerated by the one information processing module and the partialdisplay data information generated by different information processingmodule already stored, so that the information processing module towhich the partial display data information is sent can know the partialdisplay data generated by a number of information processing modules.

In the information processing system of aspect 10, the partial displaydata response means returns the partial display data informationgenerated by the different information processing module and partialdisplay data information generated by any other information processingmodule than the one information processing module or the differentinformation processing module to the one information processing module,so that the one information processing module can know the partialdisplay data generated by a number of information processing modules.

In the information processing system of aspect 11, only if the sentpartial display data information is not yet recorded, it is recorded inthe partial display data storage means additionally.

In the information processing system of aspect 12, the partial displaydata renotification means sends partial display data informationgenerated by the one information processing module and partial displaydata information generated by the different information processingmodule, stored in the partial display data storage means to any otherinformation processing module than the information processing modulesending the partial display data information. That informationprocessing module can know partial display data generated by otherinformation processing modules.

In the information processing system of aspect 13, the identificationinformation inquiry means installed in the one information processingmodule inquires identification information of display data that can begotten in a different information processing module, and theidentification information answer means installed in the differentinformation processing module answers the inquiry, thus the oneinformation processing module can receive identification information ofdisplay data that can be gotten in the different information processingmodule as required.

In the information processing system of aspect 14, if the inquireddisplay data cannot be gotten, the identification information answermeans transfers the inquiry to an information processing module otherthan the inquirer, and the identification information answer means inthe information processing module other than the inquirer answers thetransferred inquiry about the identification information. Thus,necessary identification information can be gotten through theinformation processing modules in sequence.

In the information processing system of aspect 15, the display datagetting means generates display data containing information to referencedisplay data that can be gotten from a different information processingmodule. Thus, the reference information can be used to get the displaydata from the different information processing module only whennecessary.

In the information processing system of aspect 16, the communicationmeans enables logical n to n communication by using a physicaltransmission medium for connecting the information processing modules ina one-to-one correspondence with each other; display data transfer andany other control can be performed among the information processingmodules.

In the information processing system of aspect 17, the communicationmeans enables communication between software members in the sameinformation processing module; data communication in the sameinformation processing module and data communication with any otherinformation processing module can be executed by the same method.

In the information processing system of aspect 18, the data storagemeans stores print data, image data, or voice data, and the display datagetting means generates display data containing list information of thedata in the data storage means, list information of predetermined groupsto which the data belongs, or reference information to the data. Thus, areceived data list, a group list, or reference information can bedisplayed on the display section.

In the information processing system of aspect 19, the file storagemeans stores a program file, a description file, or any other file, andthe display data getting means generates display data containing listinformation of the files in the file storage means, list information ofpredetermined groups to which the files belong, or reference informationto the files. Thus, a received file list, a group list, or referenceinformation can be displayed on the display section.

In the information processing system of aspect 20, the display datagetting means generates display data containing list information offiles stored in an external system connected to the network, listinformation of predetermined groups to which the files belong, orreference information to the files, so that the data stored in theexternal system connected to the network can be displayed on the displaysection in the information processing system.

In the information processing system of aspect 21, the input means readsa file stored in an external system connected to the network from theexternal system. Thus, a display file generated by the external systemis read into the information processing system through the network andcan be displayed on the display section.

In the information processing system of aspect 22, the file replacementmeans enables the information processing system to have the same file asthe file having the same identification information stored in anexternal system.

In the information processing system of aspect 23, the file replacementmeans replaces only the file having the same identification informationstored in an external system with the same file.

In the information processing system of aspect 24, the file storagemeans stores a program file, a description file, or any other file, thefile operation input means inputs identification information of a filefrom an external system connected to the network and command informationfor adding, replacing, or deleting the file, and the file informationinput means inputs the file reference information to the file to beadded or replaced if the command information is to add or delete. Thus,the information processing system can be set from the external system.

In the information processing system of aspect 25, the display dataholding control means manages display data stored on an external storagemedium added to the information processing module. Thus, to add afunction by using an external storage medium, it can also be handled asdisplay data is held internally.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram according to a first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a software block diagram according to the first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart;

FIG. 4 is a hardware block diagram according to a second embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a software block diagram according to the second embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a processing flowchart;

FIG. 7 is a processing flowchart of an agent;

FIG. 8 is a system block diagram according to a third embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a hardware block diagram according to the third embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 10 is a software block diagram according to the third embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 11 is a software block diagram of an agent;

FIG. 12 is an agent processing flowchart (No.1);

FIG. 13 is an agent processing flowchart (No.2);

FIG. 14 is an agent processing flowchart (No.3);

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram to show information entries;

FIG. 16 is an illustration to show an information configuration example;

FIG. 17 is an illustration to show a display data transmission example;

FIG. 18 an illustration to show a display example;

FIG. 19 an illustration to show another display example;

FIG. 20 is a software block diagram according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 21 is a software block diagram of an agent;

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram to show display data informationentries;

FIG. 23 is a processing flowchart (No.1);

FIG. 24 is a processing flowchart (No.2);

FIG. 25 is a processing flowchart of an active hardware module;

FIG. 26 is a processing flowchart of a passive hardware module;

FIG. 27 is an illustration to show message examples;

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram to show information entries;

FIG. 29 is a processing flowchart (No.3);

FIG. 30 is another processing flowchart for transmitting display data;

FIG. 31 is a conceptual diagram to show information entries;

FIG. 32 is a processing flowchart for transmitting display data;

FIG. 33 is a software block diagram of an agent in a fifth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 34 is a processing flowchart (No.1);

FIG. 35 is a processing flowchart (No.2);

FIG. 36 is a system block diagram according to a sixth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 37 is a hardware block diagram according to the sixth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 38 is a system block diagram according to a seventh embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 39 is a hardware block diagram according to the seventh embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 40 is a hardware block diagram according to an eighth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 41 is a software block diagram according to the eighth embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 42 is an illustration to show a display example;

FIG. 43 is an illustration to show another display example;

FIG. 44 is a software block diagram according to a ninth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 45 is a processing flowchart of an agent;

FIG. 46 is an illustration to show an operation environment according toa tenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 47 is a software block diagram according to the tenth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 48 is a processing flowchart of an agent;

FIG. 49 is a software block diagram according to an eleventh embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 50 is a conceptual drawing to show partial display data informationentries;

FIG. 51 is a software block diagram of an agent;

FIG. 52 is a processing flowchart applied when power of an active moduleis turned on;

FIG. 53 is a processing flowchart applied when power of a passive moduleis turned on;

FIG. 54 is an illustration to show message examples;

FIG. 55 is a processing flowchart applied when the agent transmitsdisplay data;

FIG. 56 is an example of display data before partial display data iscombined with the display data

FIG. 57 is an illustration to show a display example of display databefore partial display data is combined therewith;

FIG. 58 is an illustration to show an example of partial display datainformation;

FIG. 59 is an illustration to show an example of resultant display data;

FIG. 60 is an illustration to show a display example of resultantdisplay data;

FIG. 61 is a block diagram to show a configuration example of aconventional complex machine; and

FIG. 62 is a block diagram to show another configuration example of aconventional complex machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, there are shown preferredembodiments of information processing systems of the invention. FIG. 1is a hardware block diagram of an information processing systemaccording to a first embodiment of the invention. Here, a printer isused as the information processing system. That is, the printer isprovided with a printer module M3 for performing predetermined printingby a print engine E3 based on data received via a parallel interface PIfrom an external system such as a computer.

A CPU 31 of the printer module M3 executes control software of theprinter module M3 stored in a ROM (read-only memory) 32. A RAM (randomaccess memory) 33 stores work data at the control software executiontime. A control interface 34 outputs image data to the print engine E3.An operation panel 37 is used to set a printer function, enter a controlcommand, and display the state of the information processing system.

FIG. 2 is a software block diagram according to the informationprocessing system of the first embodiment of the invention. That is, thesoftware is made up of display means 301 for displaying display data onthe operation panel, display data holding means 302 for managing displaydata stored on storage means HD, display data getting means 303 forgetting display data based on a predetermined command, print controlmeans 304 for controlling the print engine, and print data input means305 for inputting print data from a computer.

Processing of the means making up the software shown in FIG. 2 will bediscussed with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 3. First, the displaymeans 301 accepts a display data request entered on the operation panelat step S1001. At this time, the display means 301 gets the type of keyinput through the operation panel and interprets it as a display datarequest corresponding thereto.

In the interpretation procedure, the request is interpreted in responseto the current contents displayed on the operation panel; for differentdisplay although the same key is input, the request is interpreted inresponse to the display contents. If the operation panel is a touchpanel, the input coordinates and the display contents are considered andthe input is interpreted as a display data request.

Next, a check is made to see if the display data holding means 302 holdsdisplay data at step S1002. The display data is described in a format ofHTML, etc., that can be displayed by software (browser) generallyinstalled in an external system such as a computer connected to anetwork.

If it is not determined at step S1003 that the display data is held, theprocess is terminated. If it is determined at step S1003 that thedisplay data is held, the display data getting means 303 reads thedisplay data from the display data holding means 302.

Next, the display data getting means 303 determines whether or not therequested display data is display data requiring processing such asincorporating of dynamic contents of the printer state (currentprocessing state), etc., at step S1005. If it, is determined at stepS1005 that the display data requires processing, the display datagetting means 303 processes the display data gotten from the displaydata holding means 302. If it is not determined at step S1005 that thedisplay data requires processing, control goes to step S1007.

At step S1007, the display means 301 converts the display data into codethat can be displayed on the operation panel and displays it on theoperation panel. Here, various display systems of a character system,bit a map system, etc., can be applied to the operation panel; thedisplay means 301 generates the code fitted to the display systemapplied to the operation panel.

The display data is thus described in the format of HTML, etc., that canbe displayed by software (browser) generally installed in an externalsystem such as a computer, whereby the same display data can be usedwith the printer and the external system and the same display as theoperation panel of the printer can be produced on the external systemsuch as a computer.

Next, a second embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 4 is a hardware block diagram of theinformation processing system according to the second embodiment of theinvention. Here, a printer is used as the information processing system.The information processing system of the second embodiment comprises aprinter module M3, a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a control interface 34,a video interface 35, a print engine E3, and an operation panel 37 likethe information processing system of the first embodiment, but theydiffer in that the information processing system of the secondembodiment comprises a LAN interface LI as an interface with an externalsystem such as a computer.

FIG. 5 is a software block diagram according to the informationprocessing system of the second embodiment of the invention. That is,the software is made up of display means 301, an agent 300 consisting ofdisplay data holding means 302, display data getting means 303,transmission request acceptance means 306, and display data transmissionmeans 307, print control means 304, and print data input means 305.

Processing of the means making up the software shown in FIG. 5 will bediscussed with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 6. First, the displaymeans 301 accepts a display data request entered on the operation panelat step S1101. Next, the display means 301 transmits a display datatransmission request to the agent 300 at step S1102. If the agent 300responds to the request with an error at step S1103 (No), the process isterminated. On the other hand, if the agent 300 responds to the requestwith display data at step S1103 (Yes), the display means 301 displaysthe display data on the operation panel.

The display data is described in a format of HTML, etc., that can bedisplayed by software (browser) generally installed in an externalsystem such as a computer connected to a network.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart to describe processing of the agent 300. First,the transmission request acceptance means 306 accepts a display datatransmission request from the display means 301 or an external systemsuch as a computer connected to a LAN at step S1201.

Next, a check is made to see if the display data holding means 302 holdsdisplay data at step S1202. If it is not determined at step S1203 thatthe display data is held, control goes to step S1208 at which an erroris returned to the display data transmission requester. If it isdetermined at step S1203 that the display data is held, the display datagetting means 303 reads the display data from the display data holdingmeans 302 at step S1204.

Next, the display data getting means 303 determines whether or not therequested display data is display data requiring processing such asincorporating of dynamic contents of the printer state (currentprocessing state), etc., at step S1205. If it is determined at stepS1205 that the display data requires processing, the display datagetting means 303 processes the display data gotten from the displaydata holding means 302. If it is not determined at step S1205 that thedisplay data requires processing, control goes to step S1207.

At step S1207, the display data transmission means 307 returns thedisplay data or the processed display data to the display datatransmission requester, which then can obtain the display data describedin a general display format (for example, HTML) via the LAN and canreference the display data by software (browser) installed in anexternal system such as a computer.

In the embodiment, the display operation of the display data has beendescribed. To input setup information, the transmission requestacceptance means 306 of the agent 300 receives setup information as itaccepts a display data transmission request, and passes the setupinformation to the print control means 304.

The transmission request acceptance means 306 receives print datareference information like the setup information. Data in anothercomputer, etc., is referenced by the print data input means 305 via theLAN and printing is performed by using the print control means 304.Here, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), etc., is used as the referenceinformation.

The display data holding means 302 may reference data stored in acomputer connected to the LAN or display data stored on an externalstorage medium of the printer module, such as an IC card.

Next, a third embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of theinformation processing system according to the third embodiment of theinvention. Here, the information processing system is made up mainly ofthree hardware modules of a copy module M1, a FAX (facsimile) module M2,and a printer module M3.

That is, the copy module M1 is a hardware module for controlling a copyfunction, the FAX module is a hardware module for controlling a FAXfunction, and the printer module M3 is a hardware module for controllinga print function.

The copy function outputs an image read by the copy module M1 through ascanner SC to a print engine E1. The FAX transmission function transmitsan image read by the FAX module M2 through the scanner SC via the copymodule M1 to a public line. The FAX reception function outputs an imagereceived by the FAX module M2 over the public line to the print engineE1 via the copy module M1.

The print function converts a print command received by the printermodule M2 over a LAN into image data and outputs the image data to theprint engine E1 via the FAX module M2 and the copy module M1.

In the embodiment, an operation panel 11 is contained in the copy moduleM1 and is used to set the copy function, the FAX function, and the printfunction and display a control command and the state of the informationprocessing system.

Therefore, to set the printer module M3 through the operation panel 11,setup information is transferred from the copy module M1 via the FAXmodule M2 to the printer module M3. In contrast, to display the state ofthe printer module M3 on the operation panel 11, state information istransferred from the printer module M3 via the FAX module M2 to theoperation panel 11 contained in the copy module M1.

To set the copy module M1 from an external system such as a computerconnected to the LAN, setup information is transferred from the printermodule M3 via the FAX module M2 to the copy module M1. In contrast, todisplay the state of the copy module M1 on an external system such as acomputer connected to the LAN, state information is transferred from thecopy module M1 via the FAX module M2 to the printer module M3.

FIG. 9 is a hardware block diagram of the information processing systemaccording to the third embodiment. That is, the copy module M1 is madeup of the above-mentioned operation panel 11, a CPU 12, a ROM 13, a RAM14, a control interface 15, a video interface 16, a scanner interface17, and an engine interface 18.

The FAX module M2 is made up of control interfaces 21 and 26, videointerfaces 22 and 27, a CPU 23, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, and a G3 module 28.

The printer module M3 is made up of a control interface 31, a videointerface 32, a CPU 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35, and a LAN interface LI.

The copy module M1 and the FAX module M2 are connected by the controlinterfaces 15 and 21 and the video interfaces 16 and 22. The FAX moduleM2 and the printer module M3 are connected by the control interfaces 26and 31 and the video interfaces 27 and 32.

In the copy module M1 of the configuration, the operation panel 11 isused to set the copy function, the FAX function, and the printerfunction, enter a control command, and display the state of theinformation processing system. The CPU 12 executes copy module controlsoftware stored in the ROM 13. The RAM 14 stores work data at thecontrol software execution time. The control interface 15 transferscontrol data to and from the adjacent FAX module M2.

Further, the video interface 16 transfers image data to and from the FAXmodule M2. The scanner interface 17 performs read processing of an imagefrom the scanner SC. The engine interface 18 sends image data to theprint engine E1.

In the FAX module M2, the control interface 21 transfers control data toand from the adjacent copy module M1. The video interface 22 transfersimage data to and from the adjacent copy module M1. The CPU 23 executesFAX module M2 control software stored in the ROM 24. The RAM 25 storeswork data at the control software execution time.

The control interface 26 transfers control data to and from the adjacentprinter module M3. The video interface 27 transfers image data to andfrom the adjacent printer module M3. The G3 module 28 transmits andreceives a facsimile image.

In the printer module M3, the control interface 31 transfers controldata to and from the adjacent FAX module M2. The video interface 32transfers image data to and from the adjacent FAX module M2.

The CPU 33 executes printer module M3 control software stored in the ROM34. The RAM 35 stores work data at the control software execution time.The LAN interface LI communicates with an external system such as acomputer connected to the LAN.

FIG. 10 is a software block diagram of the information processing systemaccording to the third embodiment. That is, copy control 101 in the copymodule controls input of image data from the scanner, input/output ofimage data from/to the FAX module, and output of image data to the printengine.

FAX control 201 in the FAX module controls input/output of image datafrom/to the copy module and the printer module, facsimile transmissionof image data, and conversion of received facsimile data to internalimage data.

Print control 304 in the printer module controls reception of print datafrom the LAN and conversion of the received print data to image data,input of image data from the FAX module, and transmission of image datato the LAN.

Each of agents 100, 200, and 300 installed in the modules comprisestransmission request acceptance means, display data holding means,display data getting means, display data request means, and display datatransmission means described later.

Display data D100, D200, and D300 are stored in the ROMs and are read bythe agents 100, 200, and 300 respectively. The display data is describedin a format of HTML, etc., that can be displayed by software (browser)generally installed in an external system such as a computer connectedto the LAN as in the preceding embodiments.

A browser Br is adapted to display the display data in a format of HTML,etc., gotten through the agent 100 on the operation panel.

Each of transports TP1, TP2, and TP3 installed in the modules iscommunication means for executing communication between the modules.That is, the transports TP1, TP2, and TP3 control transmission controlmeans of communication for multiplexing a physical one-to-onetransmission medium connecting the copy and FAX modules and connectingthe FAX and printer modules to logical n to n. An example of thisprotocol is IEEE802.2, etc. Further, another transport TP4 installed inthe printer module controls transmission control means of communicationvia the LAN.

FIG. 11 is a software block diagram of each of the agents installed inthe modules. FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 are operation flowcharts of the agent.As shown in FIG. 11, the agent is made up of transmission requestacceptance means 1001, display data holding means 1002, display datagetting means 1003, display data request means 1004, display datareception means 1005, display data transmission means 1006, and timeoutprocessing means 1007.

The agent first accepts a transmission request from an external systemsuch as a computer connected to the LAN, an adjacent hardware module, orthe browser in the home hardware module to which the agent belongs atthe transmission request acceptance means 1001 at step S1301.

Next, the agent checks whether or not the requested display data is heldin the display data holding means 1002 in the home hardware module atstep S1302. If the display data is held, the agent gets the display databy the display data getting means 1003 at step S1303 and returns thedisplay data to the requester through the display data transmissionmeans 1006 at step S1304.

If the display data is not held, the agent checks whether or not ahardware module other than the display data requester is connected atstep S1305. If a hardware module is connected, the agent storesreception wait information at step S1306, issues a request for sendingthe display data to the connected hardware module at step S1307, andsets a timer at step S1308. On the other hand, if a hardware moduleother than the requester is not connected, the agent returns an error tothe requester through the display data transmission means 1006 at stepS1309.

If the display data reception means 1005 receives display data from theconnected hardware module at step S1401 as a response of the connectedhardware module to which the request was issued at step S1307, the agentchecks whether or not reception wait information is stored at stepS1402. If reception wait information is stored, the agent deletes thereception wait information at step S1403, resets the timer at stepS1404, and returns the display data to the requester through the displaydata transmission means 1006 at step S1405. If reception waitinformation is not stored at step S1402, the received display data isdiscarded.

If the timer set at step S1308 times out, a timeout process is started.If reception wait information is stored at step S1501 (Yes), it isdeleted by the timeout process at step S1502 and an error is returned tothe requester through the display data transmission means 1006 at stepS1503.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram to show transmission request informationentries and reception wait information entries. FIG. 16 is anillustration to show an example of transmission request informationreceived by the agent from the LAN, a transmission request transmittedto another hardware module, and stored reception wait information.

As shown in FIG. 15, transmission request information J10 is made up ofdisplay data identification J11, a requester address J12, and arequester-given sequence number J13 and reception wait information J20is made up of a requester address J21, a requester-given sequence numberJ22, and an agent-given sequence number J23.

Specifically, “/dc.index.html” of transmission request information J30shown in FIG. 16 is requested display data identification,“111.222.333.444” is an address of a computer, etc., of a requester, and“456” is a request sequence number given by the requester. “555”suffixed to the address is an identification number used for a protocolto specify software of the computer, etc., of the requester. Itcorresponds to an identification number called a port number if theprotocol is TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User DatagramProtocol).

“111.222.333.444” of reception wait information J40 shown in FIG. 16 isthe address of the requester, “555” suffixed to the address is theabove-described port number, “456” is the sequence number given by therequester (value in the transmission request information J30 receivedfrom the requester), and “123” is a sequence number given to thetransmission request by the agent (value in transmission requestinformation J50 issued by the agent).

The transmission request information J50 shown in FIG. 16 is the same asthe transmission request information J30 except that the sequence numberis replaced with the value added by the agent.

In display data J60 received from another hardware module shown in FIG.16, “123” is a sequence number given by the agent at the transmissionrequest time and “. . . ” contains the display data itself (text inHTML, etc.,).

Display data J70 transmitted by the agent to the computer, etc., of therequester shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the display data J60 exceptthat the sequence number is replaced with the value given by thecomputer, etc., of the requester.

FIG. 17 shows an example wherein the browser in the copy module sends adisplay data transmission request J80 to the agent in the copy moduleand the agent in the copy module returns display data J90 to the browserin the copy module.

In the description of the embodiment, the display data getting means1003 in the agent reads held display data, but various pieces ofinformation may be gotten from the copy module, the FAX module, or theprinter module and display data may be processed or generated.

FIG. 18 shows an example wherein the browser in the copy module displaysgotten display data on the operation panel or software in a computer,etc., connected to the LAN (browser software) displays gotten displaydata on a display of the computer, etc.

In the example, characters enclosed in parentheses are provided bydisplaying display data intact and “POWER SAVING,” “AUTOMATIC,”“SINGLE-SIDED->DOUBLE-SIDED,” “1/1,” and “NOT USED” are portions towhich the conditions are added based on the data gotten from the copymodule.

Hyperlink is set in the portions underlined in FIG. 18. If the userclicks on the portion, a display data request related to the underlinedportion is transmitted from the browser.

Further, in the example, image data such as GIF or JPEG or any otheraudio file or video file may be embedded in the display data or may belinked.

FIG. 19 shows an example of display data referenced from display data“PAPER” in FIG. 18. That is, if the user clicks on the “PAPER” portionin FIG. 18, a display data request is transmitted from the browser basedon the setup hyperlink and the related display data is read.

In the example, the transmission request acceptance means 1001 and thedisplay data transmission means 1006 may be operatively associated witheach other from transmission request acceptance to display datatransmission by one connection.

Likewise, the display data request means 1004 and the display datareception means 1005 may be operatively associated with each other fromthe display data request time to the display data reception time by oneconnection.

In this case, it becomes unnecessary to manage the requester address.That is, the correspondence between identification of connectionaccepted by the transmission request acceptance means 1001 from theoutside and identification of connection opened by the display datarequest means 1004 may be managed instead of management based on thesequence numbers.

If the transmission request acceptance means 1001, the display datarequest means 1004, the display data reception means 1005, and thedisplay data transmission means 1006 are operated in order, the need formanaging the sequence numbers, requester addresses, and connectionidentification is eliminated and therefore the need for managing thereception wait information is also eliminated.

To support a number of protocols in the example, the protocols need alsobe managed. To accept transmission requests according to a number ofprotocols, identification of the used protocol needs to be managed.

Next, a fourth embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 20 is a software block diagram in thefourth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21 is a software block diagramof an agent. FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are processing flowcharts at the poweron time. That is, the fourth embodiment is characterized by the factthat when power of the information processing system is turned on,display data identification information is transferred between theagents in modules.

As shown in FIG. 20, the information processing system comprises a copymodule, a FAX module, and a printer module connected. The copy modulecomprises an agent 100, display data information J100, and a transportTP1. The FAX module comprises an agent 200, display data informationJ200, and a transport TP2. The printer module comprises an agent 300,display data information J300, and transports TP3 and TP4.

As shown in FIG. 21, the agent in each module comprises transmissionrequest acceptance means 1001, display data holding means 1002, displaydata getting means 1003, display data request means 1004, display datareception means 1005, display data transmission means 1006, timeoutprocessing means 1007, display data information notification means 1008,display data information reception means 1009, and display datainformation storage means 1010.

As shown in FIG. 22, the display data information J100 storesidentification of display data that can be gotten in another hardwaremodule, J101, and an address J102 for specifying the hardware moduleholding the display data.

The display data identification J101 is identification of unique displaydata or identification of a display data set. For example, display dataidentification “/aaa” indicates display data beginning with “/aaa.”“/aaa” may be notation indicating display data separated by “/” (slash)following “/aaa,” namely, display data of “/aaa/ . . . ”

A wild card (special character indicating any one character, specialcharacter indicating any one or more characters, etc.,) may be used torepresent display data identification.

When power of the information processing system having the configurationis turned on, first, display data held in the display data holding means1003 is retrieved at step S1601 and the retrieved display datainformation is transmitted by the display data information notificationmeans 1008 at step S1602.

Display data information is received at the display data informationreception means 1009 from another hardware module at step S1701 and isstored in the display data information storage means 1010 at step S1702.The received display data information is also transmitted by the displaydata information notification means 1008 to any other hardware modulethan the display data information transmitting source module at stepS1703.

In the example, if the hardware modules are started asynchronously, thedisplay data information may not be transferred normally. A procedurefor normally transferring the display data information if the hardwaremodules are started asynchronously will be discussed.

FIG. 25 is a processing flowchart of an active hardware module. First,display data that can be gotten in the home module is retrieved at stepS2501. Further, information of display data that can be gotten inanother hardware module, stored in the home module is gotten at stepS2502.

Next, the display data information gotten at steps S2501 and S2502 issent to another hardware module at step S2503. Further, display datainformation returned as a response from the hardware module is receivedat step S2504. The received display data information is stored at stepS2505.

To send the display data information to the hardware module, at stepS2502 or S2503, if the display data that can be gotten in the hardwaremodule is excluded, needless communication can also be reduced.

FIG. 26 is a processing flowchart of a passive hardware module. First,display data information is received in the passive hardware module atstep S2601 and is stored at step S2602.

Next, display data that can be gotten in the home module is retrieved atstep S2603. If the display data stored in the home module is managed asdisplay data information, the display data information is retrieved atstep S2603. Further, display data information that can be gotten inanother hardware module, stored in the home module is gotten at stepS2604. Next, the display data information gotten at steps S2603 andS2604 (if display data is retrieved, display data information generatedtherefrom) is returned to the hardware module sending the display datainformation. The received display data information is sent to anotherhardware module at step S2606.

To return the display data information to the hardware module sendingthe display data information, at step S2604 or S2605, if the displaydata that can be gotten in the hardware module is excluded, needlesscommunication can also be reduced.

Not only the received display data information, but also display datainformation that can be gotten in the home module and stored displaydata information may be sent at step S2606.

Further, display data information may be sent at step S2606 only if newdisplay data is entered at step S2605.

When display data information is received or is returned as a response,the display data information that can be gotten in the home hardwaremodule (display data information generated from the display data in thehome module or if display data is managed and stored as display datainformation, the display data information) is transferred to anotherhardware module. However, display data information may be transferredonly when new display data information is entered.

To send display data information or return display data information as aresponse, display data information in another information processingmodule may be sent as the display data information in the home module.For example, in the information processing system of the configurationshown in FIG. 20, the FAX module sends display data information in thecopy module to the printer module as display data information in the FAXmodule.

Therefore, when the printer module receives a request for getting thedisplay data information in the copy module from the LAN, it transfersthe request to the FAX module, which in turn transfers the request tothe copy module.

FIG. 27 is an illustration to show examples of a display datainformation notification message J210 and a display data informationresponse message J211.

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram to show transmission request informationentries. As shown here, display data information J100 is made up ofdisplay data identification J101, an address J102, and a pointer to theaddress of a module to which the information is already sent, J103. Thepointer J103 is provided with a pointer to the address of the nextmodule to which the information is already sent, J104, and the addressof the module, J105, for managing the addresses of the modules to whichthe information is already sent, whereby control may be performed so asnot to transmit the same display data information to the modules towhich the information is already sent.

Processing of the active module shown in FIG. 25 may be executed atpredetermined time intervals from the start time of the module. It maybe made possible to set the time intervals at which the processing isexecuted. Processing of the active module shown in FIG. 25 may berepeated as many times as predetermined or for a predetermined time. Itmay be made possible to set the predetermined number of times theprocessing is repeated or the predetermined time for which theprocessing is repeated.

FIG. 29 is a processing flowchart for transmitting display data. Thisprocessing flowchart is the same as that in the third embodiment shownin FIG. 12 except that step S1305 is replaced with step S1805.

In FIG. 29, the agent accepts a display data transmission request froman adjacent hardware module or a computer, etc., connected to the LAN atstep S1801.

Next, the agent checks whether or not the requested display data is heldin the home hardware module at step S1802. If the display data is held,the agent gets the display data at step S1803 and returns the displaydata to the requester at step S1804.

If the display data is not held, the agent checks whether or not displaydata information exists at step S1805, namely, whether or not displaydata that can be gotten in another hardware module exists. If thedisplay data exists, the agent stores reception wait information at stepS1806, issues a request for transmitting the display data to thehardware module address stored in the display data information at stepS1807, and sets a timer at step S1808. On the other hand, if the displaydata does not exist, the agent returns an error at step S1809.

Such processing is performed, whereby when power of the informationprocessing system is turned on, the display data held in each hardwaremodule can be referenced from any hardware modules. That is, it can bereferenced from not only a browser installed in a specific hardwaremodule, but also a computer, etc., connected through a LAN interface.The display data can also be referenced over a FAX line.

FIG. 30 is another processing flowchart for transmitting display data.In the figure, first a transmission request is accepted from the outsideat step S2301. Next, a check is made to see if display data informationmatching the requested display data in identification information isstored at step S2302.

If the display data information is stored, a request for transmittingthe display data is transferred to another module at steps S2303 toS2305. On the other hand, if the display data information is not stored,whether or not the requested display data can be gotten in the homemodule is checked at step S2306. If the requested display data can begotten, it is gotten in the home module and is transmitted at stepsS2307 and S2308. Display data information generated from the displaydata may be transmitted.

On the other hand, if the display data cannot be gotten in the homemodule, an error is returned at step S2309.

Identification information of display data that can be gotten in thehome module may be stored in display data identification information. Inthis case, when the address value is a specific value, for example,zero, it may be indicated that the identification entry of the displaydata is identification of the display data that can be gotten in thehome module.

Display data information J200 may contain a home flag J203 indicatingidentification of display data concerning the home module together withdisplay data identification J201 and address J202, as shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 32 is a processing flowchart for transmitting display data when thehome flag J203 is provided. First, a transmission request is acceptedfrom the outside at step S2401. Next, a check is made to see if displaydata information matching the requested display data in identificationinformation is stored at step S2402.

If the display data information is not stored, an error is returned atstep S2409. On the other hand, if the display data information isstored, whether stored display data is the display data information inthe home module or that in another module is determined at step S2403 byreferencing the above-described specific address value (for example,zero) or home flag value.

If it is the display data information in another module, a transmissionrequest is transferred to the module at steps S2404 to S2406. On theother hand, if it is not the display data information in another module,display data is gotten in the home module and is transmitted at stepsS2407 and S2408.

In the example, information for managing the display data location,namely, display data information is previously transferred between themodules, but display data may be actually transferred. Display data oncereferenced from another module may be cached for later use.

Next, a fifth embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 33 is a software block diagram of anagent applied to the information processing system according to thefifth embodiment. FIG. 34 is a processing flowchart.

The information processing system of the fifth embodiment ischaracterized by the fact that when inquiry about display data isreceived from any hardware module or a computer, etc., connected to aLAN, the display data is returned to the inquirer.

The agent in the fifth embodiment comprises transmission requestacceptance means 1001, display data holding means 1002, display datagetting means 1003, display data request means 1004, display datareception means 1005, display data transmission means 1006, timeoutprocessing means 1007, display data information inquiry means 1011, anddisplay data information response means 1012.

As the operation of the agent, steps S1901 to S1905 shown in FIG. 34 arethe same as steps S1301 to S1305 of the operation of the agent in thethird embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

If requested display data is not held in the home hardware module atstep S1902 (No) and any other hardware module than the hardware modulemaking the transmission request exists at step S1905 (Yes), the agentinquires of that hardware module whether or not the requested displaydata can be gotten at step S1906.

If the hardware module responds to the inquiry with OK at step S1907(Yes), reception wait information is stored at step S1908, a request fortransmitting the display data is issued to the hardware module at stepS1909, and a timer is set at step S1910. On the other hand, if thehardware module responds to the inquiry with NG at step S1907 (No), anerror is returned to the requester at step S1911.

FIG. 35 is an inquiry answer processing flowchart. First, an inquiry isreceived from another hardware module at step S2001. Next, a check ismade to see if display data is held in the display data holding means inthe home hardware module at step S2002. If the display data is held atstep S2002 (Yes), the agent answers the inquirer that the display datacan be gotten at step S2003.

If the display data is not held at step S2002 (No), the agent checkswhether or not any other hardware module than the inquirer exists atstep S2004. If it exists at step S2004 (Yes), the agent transfers theinquiry to the hardware module at step S2005 and returns a receivedanswer from the hardware module to the inquirer at step S2006. If anyother hardware module than the inquirer does not exist at step S2004(No), the agent answers the inquirer that the display data cannot begotten at step S2007.

Thus, when one hardware module receives an inquiry about display datafrom another hardware module forming a part of the informationprocessing system or an external system such as a computer connected tothe LAN, if the display data is held in the hardware module receivingthe inquiry, it is returned to the inquirer; if the display data is notheld, the inquiry is transferred to any other hardware module than theinquiry and the display data can be returned to the inquirer.

Since the display data corresponding to each hardware module is managedfor each hardware module, a hardware module function or a new hardwaremodule can be added without affecting other hardware modules. If displaydata is required, an inquiry is sent to another hardware module, whichin turn transfers the inquiry to another hardware module, which in turntransfers the inquiry to another hardware module, which so that thedisplay data corresponding to every hardware module can be obtained.

Next, a sixth embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 36 is a block diagram of theinformation processing system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 37is a hardware block diagram of the information processing systemaccording to the sixth embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, an operation panel 11 comprises a CPU and isconnected to a copy module M1, a FAX module M2, and a printer module M3in series. That is, the sixth embodiment is characterized by the factthat information can be transferred between the operation panel 11 and acomputer, etc., of an external system via a LAN.

As shown in FIG. 37, the copy module M1 is provided with an operationpanel interface 11 a for transferring data to and from the operationpanel 11 shown in FIG. 36. In addition, the copy module M1 comprises aCPU 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a control interface 15, a video interface16, a scanner interface 17, and an engine interface, which are similarto those of the copy module in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

The FAX module M2 is made up of a control interface 21, a videointerface 22, a CPU 23, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, a control interface 26, avideo interface 27, and a G3 module 28 shown in FIG. 37, which aresimilar to those of the FAX module in the third embodiment shown in FIG.9.

Further, the printer module M3 is made up of a control interface 31, avideo interface 32, a CPU 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35, and a LAN interface 36shown in FIG. 37, which are similar to those of the printer module inthe third embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

That is, the information processing system according to the sixthembodiment can transfer information between the operation panel 11 and acomputer, etc., via the operation panel interface 11 a as display datais transferred to and from a computer, etc., of an external system viathe LAN interface LI as described in the third embodiment.

Next, a seventh embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 38 is a block diagram of theinformation processing system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG.39 is a hardware block diagram of the information processing systemaccording to the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, anoperation panel 11, a copy module M1, a FAX module M2, and a printermodule M3 are connected to a bus B.

That is, as shown in FIG. 39, the copy module M1 is provided with aninternal bus interface BI1, the FAX module M2 is provided with aninternal bus interface BI2, and the printer module M3 is provided withan internal bus interface BI3.

A CPU 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a scanner interface 17, and an engineinterface 18 of the copy module M1, a CPU 23, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, and aG3 module 28 of the FAX module M2, and a CPU 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35, anda LAN interface LI of the printer module M3 are similar to those of thecopy module, the FAX module, and the printer module of the thirdembodiment shown in FIG. 9.

Since the hardware modules are thus connected by the bus B in theseventh embodiment, one hardware module can transmit a display datatransmission request, send display data information, or issue displaydata information inquiry to other hardware modules at the same time.

Next, an eighth embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 40 is a hardware block diagramaccording to the eighth embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment,a printer is used as the information processing system as in the secondembodiment. The information processing system according to the eighthembodiment is characterized by the fact that it comprises a hard disk 38in addition to the components of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

A CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a control interface 34, a video interface35, a print engine E3, an operation panel 37, and a LAN interface LI aresimilar to those of the second embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a software block diagram according to the eighth embodiment.The software shown in FIG. 41 is made up of display means 301, an agent300 consisting of display data holding means 302, display data gettingmeans 303, transmission request acceptance means 306, and display datatransmission means 307, print control means 304, and print data inputmeans 305 like the software according to the second embodiment shown inFIG. 5.

The eighth embodiment is characterized by the fact that print data inputthrough the print data input means 305 via the LAN interface is storedon a print data spool and display data in which print dataidentification information and additional information are built isgenerated.

FIG. 42 is an illustration to show a display example of display datagenerated by the information processing system of the eighth embodiment.Based on the print data stored on the print data spool, the display datagetting means 303 generates display data in which identificationinformation and additional information in the print data are built.

For example, the data transmitting person name, content type, andcapacity are read from the print data and are built in display data togenerate new display data. The display data is received at an externalsystem of a computer, etc., connected to a LAN and is displayed bybrowser software, whereby the print output state can be referenced.

In addition to the stored print data, various types of data such asimage data received at a facsimile and voice data of voice mail, etc.,may be handled like the above-described print data.

In the description of the embodiment, the invention is applied to theprinter, but can also be applied to an information processing systemmade up of a number of hardware modules. In this case, a receiveddocument in a FAX module can also be referenced through a printermodule.

Identification information and additional information of a file of aprinter driver, etc., previously stored in the printer module may beincorporated. Further, data and file reference information may beincorporated as identification information.

FIG. 43 is an illustration to show a display example of data in whichreference information is built. In the figure, print data referenceinformation is embedded in a “REFERENCE” button. When the display meansaccepts selection of the button, a request for transmitting thecorresponding file is transmitted together with reference information.

Then, a list of print data and data received at the facsimile, spooledon the hard disk can be referenced using browser software in a computer,etc., connected to the LAN and the file contents can be read anddisplayed as required.

Next, a ninth embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 44 is a software block diagramaccording to the ninth embodiment. The ninth embodiment is characterizedby the fact that an agent 300 contains print data output means 308 foroutputting the contents of a referenced file as print data in filereference described in the eighth embodiment.

Other software components, namely, display means 301, display dataholding means 302, display data getting means 303, transmission requestacceptance means 306, display data transmission means 307, print controlmeans 304, and print data input means 305 are similar to those of theeighth embodiment shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 45 is a processing flowchart of the agent 300 shown in FIG. 44.First, the transmission request acceptance means 306 accepts a displaydata transmission request or a print data transmission request at stepS2101. If the transmission request is a print data transmission requestat step S2102 (Yes), the print data output means 308 gets print data atstep S2110.

If it is determined at step S2111 that print data can be gotten, theprint data output means 308 returns the print data to the requester atstep S2112. If it is not determined at step S2111 that print data can begotten, the print data output means 308 returns an error to therequester at step S2109.

Steps S2103 to S2109 are similar to steps S1202 to S1208 in FIG. 7described in the second embodiment.

The information processing system of the ninth embodiment can also beapplied as an information processing system made up of a number ofhardware modules. Therefore, a received document in a FAX module canalso be referenced and printed out through a printer module.

To output image data, voice data, etc., for example, still image datamay be converted into GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) or JPEG (JointPhotographic Experts Group) format before transmission.

Next, a tenth embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 46 is an illustration to show anoperation environment of the information processing system according tothe tenth embodiment of the invention. The tenth embodiment is appliedfor a computer C to download software of a printer Pr from a servercomputer SV through a network N to the printer Pr, an example of theinformation processing system of the embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a software block diagram according to the tenth embodiment.That is, the software is made up of display means 301, an agent 300consisting of display data holding means 302, display data getting means303, transmission request acceptance means 306, display datatransmission means 307, file input means 309, and file replacement means310, print control means 304, and print data input means 305.

FIG. 48 is a processing flowchart of the agent. First, the display dataholding means 302 accepts a transmission request at step S2201. Here,the transmission requester is the computer C shown in FIG. 46 and theserver computer SV stores a downloaded file.

If it is not determined at step S2202 that the request is a filetransmission request, display data is returned to the requester at stepsS2203 to S2209 as steps S1202 to S1208 in FIG. 7 described in the secondembodiment. At the time, if the requested display data is display datafor download command, display data containing reference information tothe file to be downloaded is transmitted.

The reference information may be previously embedded in the display dataor stored reference information may be built in the display data at stepS2207. The reference information contains the server computer name andthe location and file identifier of the file to be downloaded in thehost computer. For example, a format of URL, etc., is used for thereference information.

On the other hand, if it is determined at step S2202 that the request isa file transmission request, the file input means 309 searches theserver computer SV indicated in the reference information for therequested file through the network N at step S2210. At this time, aprotocol of DNS (Directory Name Service), etc., is used.

If the file input means 309 cannot search the server computer SV for therequested file at step S2211 (Yes), it returns an error to the computerC of the requester at step S2209. If the file input means 309 can searchthe server computer SV for the requested file at step S2211 (No), itinputs the file from the searched server computer SV at step S2212.

Then, the file is downloaded from the server computer SV through thenetwork N to the printer Pr. If the file input ends in failure at stepS2213 (No), an error is returned to the computer C of the requester atstep S2209.

If the file input succeeds at step S2213 (No), the file replacementmeans 310 replaces stored file with the input file at step S2214.

When the input file is not stored, the file replacement means 310 mayreturn an error or add the file.

At step S2209, file addition, replacement, or deletion commandinformation may be added to the display data for transmission and atstep S2214, file replacement may be executed in accordance with thecommand information.

By performing such processing, a file can be downloaded from the servercomputer SV through the network N to the printer Pr based on a requestfrom the computer C. That is, if the function of the printer Pr isexpanded or changed, the file (program file, etc.,) corresponding to thefunction expansion or change can be downloaded from the server computerSV through the network N to the printer Pr; the most recent file can beapplied immediately.

Next, an eleventh embodiment of an information processing system of theinvention will be discussed. FIG. 49 is an illustration to show asoftware block diagram of the information processing system according tothe eleventh embodiment of the invention. The eleventh embodiment ischaracterized by the fact that when power is turned on, hardware modulesexchange partial display data information installed therein with eachother and store partial display data received from other hardwaremodules and when transmitting requested display data, the hardwaremodule combines the display data with the stored partial display datareceived from other hardware modules.

As shown in FIG. 49, the information processing system comprises a copymodule, a FAX module, and a printer module connected. The copy, FAX, andprinter modules comprise agents 100, 200, and 300, partial display datainformation K400, K500, and K600, and transports TP1, TP2, and TP3 andTP4 respectively.

FIG. 50 is a conceptual drawing to show partial display data informationentries. The partial display data information K400 is made up of partialdisplay data identification K401, an address K402 and a display dataarea K403.

The address K402 stores the address of the hardware module generatingthe partial display data information K400.

The partial display data identification K401 is used to quote thepartial display data. In the embodiment, two quotation informationpieces of character string “Name” to uniquely identify the display dataand “Type” to identify display data set are provided. More than one“Name” and more than one “Type” may exist and the quotation informationmay be quotation information having another function.

To store information generated by the home module in the same file, theaddress K402 is provided to determine whether or not the information isinformation generated by the home module. It is also used to delete thecorresponding information if a fault in another module is sensed.

FIG. 51 is a software block diagram of an agent installed in eachhardware module. The agent comprises transmission request acceptancemeans 1001, display data holding means 1002, display data getting means1003, display data request means 1004, display data reception means1005, display data transmission means 1006, timeout processing means1007, partial display data information notification means 1011, partialdisplay data information reception means 1012, and partial display datainformation storage means 1013.

FIG. 52 is a processing flowchart applied when power of an active moduleis turned on. First, partial display data information in the homehardware module is generated at step S4701. Next, partial display datainformation sent from another hardware module and stored in the homehardware module is found at step S4702.

Next, the generated partial display data information and found partialdisplay data information are sent to another hardware module at stepS4703. Further, a response is received from the hardware module at stepS4704. Partial display data information contained in the responsereceived from the hardware module is stored at step S4705.

FIG. 53 is a processing flowchart applied when power of a passive moduleis turned on. First, partial display data information is received fromanother hardware module at step S4801 and is stored at step S4802.

Next, partial display data information in the home hardware module isgenerated at step S4803. Further, partial display data information sentfrom another hardware module and stored in the home hardware module isfound at step S4804. Next, the generated partial display datainformation and found partial display data information are sent to thesource hardware module at step S4805. Newly sent partial display datainformation is sent to a hardware module other than the source hardwaremodule at step S4806. At this time, already known partial display datainformation may also be contained.

When the power is turned on, each of the hardware modules operates as anactive module. The active module procedure is repeated at predeterminedor setup time intervals, whereby if the hardware modules are not startedat the same time, partial display data information can be transferrednormally. Further, needless communication can be deleted by limiting thenumber of repetitions of the active module procedure or the time ofrepeating the active module procedure.

FIG. 54 is an illustration to show examples of a partial display datainformation notification message K404 and a partial display datainformation response message K405.

FIG. 55 is a processing flowchart applied when the agent transmitsdisplay data. In the figure, the agent accepts a display datatransmission request from an adjacent hardware module or a computer,etc., connected to a LAN at step S4901.

Next, the agent checks whether or not the requested display datainformation is held in the home hardware module at step S4902. If thedisplay data information is not held, the agent returns an error at stepS4911.

On the other hand, if the display data information is held, the agentchecks whether or not the display data information is information sentfrom another hardware module and stored in the home hardware module. Ifthe display data information is sent from another hardware module, theagent stores reception wait information at step S4904, issues a requestfor transmitting display data to the hardware module at step S4905, andsets a timer at step S4906.

If the display data information is not sent from another hardwaremodule, the agent gets display data at step S4907 and subsequently getspartial display data at step S4908. Next, the agent combines the partialdisplay data with the display data at step S4909 and returns theresultant display data to the requester at step S4910.

FIG. 56 is an example of display data before partial display data iscombined with the display data. That is, the display data before partialdisplay data is combined therewith needs to contain partial display datareference information. In FIG. 56, the line <!X-INTERLINETYPE=“ref-icon”> is reference information. In this case, the partialdisplay data with Type being “ref-icon” in the stored partial displaydata reference information is inserted following the line of thereference information.

FIG. 57 is a browser display example of the display data before partialdisplay data is combined therewith. Thus, before partial display data iscombined, the partial display data indicated by the referenceinformation is not displayed.

FIG. 58 is an example of quoted partial display data information, whichshows a part of HTML syntax of partial display data corresponding toName and Type.

FIG. 59 is an example of the resultant display data. That is, HTMLsyntax lines of partial display data with quoted partial display datainformation TYPE being “ref-icon” shown in FIG. 58 are insertedfollowing <!X-INTERLINE TYPE=“ref-icon”> of the reference information inFIG. 59.

FIG. 60 is a browser display example of the resultant display data. Thepartial display data inserted following the display data referenceinformation is thus displayed.

When the power is turned on, the hardware modules can exchange partialdisplay data information with each other for obtaining partial displaydata information in other hardware modules powered on and the currenthardware modules that can be used can be easily checked on a browserscreen. The user can click on the display part of desired partialdisplay data through the browser screen for displaying the display dataof the hardware module accordingly.

In the description of the embodiments, the display data is stored in theROM, but may be stored in a nonvolatile storage medium, such as flashROM, magnetic disk, or backup RAM.

As described above, the information processing system of the inventionprovides the following advantages: The format of display data used withthe operation section of the information processing section and theformat of display data used with the external system are made the same,so that the same display contents as on the display panel can beproduced on the computer.

Since display data only in one format may be stored, the data storagearea can be reduced.

Further, to make up the information processing system of a number ofhardware modules, the corresponding display data is managed in eachhardware module and is read as required, whereby to add a function toany hardware module or add a hardware module, only the display datacorresponding to the hardware module to which the function is to beadded or the hardware module to be added may be changed; functionexpandability can be enhanced.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing system, comprising: aplurality of information processing modules each for performinginformation processing, the information processing modules includes acopy module, a facsimile module and a printer module; storage meansbeing installed in each of said information processing modules forstoring display data; transmission request acceptance means beinginstalled in each of said information processing modules for accepting adisplay data transmission request; recognition means being installed ineach of said information processing modules for determining whetherdisplay data corresponding to the transmission request is stored on saidstorage means, wherein said information processing module also includessaid transmission request acceptance means accepting the transmissionrequest; transfer means being installed in each of said informationprocessing modules for transferring the transmission request to adifferent module, if said recognition means determines that the displaydata corresponding to the transmission request is not stored on thestorage means; display data getting means being installed in each ofsaid information processing modules for getting the display data fromsaid storage means, if said recognition means determines that thedisplay data is stored on the storage means; and display datatransmission means being installed in each of said informationprocessing modules for returning the display data gotten by said displaydata getting means to an upstream information processing module making aprior transmission request to a downstream information processing modulereturning the display data; identification information notificationmeans being installed in each of said information processing modules andsending identification information of display data that can be gotten ineach of the information processing modules to all the other saidinformation processing modules; identification information receptionmeans being installed in each of the information processing modules forreceiving the identification information of display data that can begotten in the one of the information processing modules, sent by saididentification information notification means; and identificationinformation storage means being installed in each one of the informationprocessing modules for storing the identification information of displaydata that can be gotten in the one of the information Processingmodules, received at said identification information reception means. 2.The information processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein ifdisplay data accepted at said transmission request acceptance means isdetermined to be the display data that can be gotten in said differentone of the information processing modules, stored on said identificationinformation storage means, and display data request means transfers thetransmission request to the different one of the information processingmodules.
 3. The information processing system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said identification information notification means sends theidentification information of display data that can be gotten in the oneof the information processing modules to the different one of theinformation processing modules and identification information of displaydata that can be gotten in the different one of the informationprocessing modules, stored in the information storage means.
 4. Theinformation processing system as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingidentification information response means for returning identificationinformation of display data that can be gotten in the different one ofthe information processing modules and identification information ofdisplay data that can be gotten in any other information processingmodule than the one of the information processing modules or thedifferent one of the information processing modules to the one of theinformation processing modules, if said identification informationreception means receives identification information of display data thatcan be gotten in the one of the information processing modules.
 5. Theinformation processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein saididentification information storage means checks whether or not sentidentification information of display data that can be gotten in thedifferent one of the information processing modules is already stored,and said identification information storage means stores theidentification information additionally, if the identificationinformation is not stored.
 6. The information processing system asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising identification informationrenotification means, if said identification information reception meansreceives identification information of display data that can be gottenin the different one of the information processing modules, for sendingidentification information of display data that can be gotten in the oneof the information processing modules and identification information ofdisplay data that can be gotten in the different one of the informationprocessing modules, stored in said identification information storagemeans to any other information processing module than the informationprocessing module sending the identification information received atsaid identification information reception means.
 7. An informationprocessing systems, comprising: a plurality of information processingmodules each for performing information processing, the informationprocessing modules includes a copy module, a facsimile module and aprinter module: storage means being installed in each of saidinformation processing modules for storing display data; transmissionrequest acceptance means being installed in each of said informationprocessing modules for accepting a display data transmission request;recognition means being installed in each of said information processingmodules for determining whether display data corresponding to thetransmission request is stored on said storage means, wherein saidinformation processing module also includes said transmission requestacceptance means accepting the transmission request; transfer meansbeing installed in each of said information processing modules fortransferring the transmission request to a different module, if saidrecognition means determines that the display data corresponding to thetransmission request is not stored on the storage means; display datagetting means being installed in each of said information processingmodules for getting the display data from said storage means, if saidrecognition means determines that the display data is stored on thestorage means; display data transmission means being installed in eachof said information processing modules for returning the display datagotten by said display data getting means to an upstream informationprocessing module making a prior transmission request to a downstreaminformation processing module returning the display data; identificationinformation inquiry means being installed in each of the informationprocessing modules and inquiring identification information of displaydata that can be gotten in all the other said information processingmodules; and identification information answer means being installed ineach of the information processing modules and answering the inquirymade by said identification information inquiry means about theidentification information of display data that can be gotten in eachlocal information processing modules.
 8. The information processingsystem as claimed in claim 7, wherein if an inquired display data cannotbe gotten, said identification information answer means transfers theinquiry to an information processing module other than an inquirer, andidentification information answer means in the information processingmodule, other than the inquirer, answers a transferred inquiry about theidentification information.
 9. The information processing system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said display data getting means generatesdisplay data containing information to reference display data that canbe gotten from the different one of said information processing modules.10. The information processing system as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising communication means for enabling logical communication byusing a physical transmission medium for connecting said informationprocessing modules in a one-to-one correspondence with each other. 11.The information processing system as claimed in claim 10, wherein saidcommunication means enables communication between the informationprocessing modules.
 12. The information processing system as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising: data storage means for storing print data,image data, or voice data, wherein said display data getting meansgenerates display data containing list information of the data in saiddata storage means, list information of predetermined groups to whichthe data belongs, or reference information to the data.
 13. Theinformation processing system as claimed in claim 1, further: filestorage means for storing a program file, a description file or anyother file, wherein said display data getting means generates displaydata containing list information of the files in said file storagemeans, list information of predetermined groups to which the filesbelong, or reference information to the files.
 14. The informationprocessing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display datagetting means generates display data containing list information offiles stored in an external system connected to a network, listinformation of predetermined groups to which the files belong, orreference information to the files.
 15. The information processingsystem as claimed in claim 1, further comprising input means for readinga file stored in an external system connected to a network from saidexternal system.
 16. The information processing system as claimed inclaim 15, further comprising file replacement means, if a different filehaving a same identification information as the file read through a fileinput means is stored in a file storage means, for replacing thedifferent file with the read file, if a different file having the sameidentification information as the file read through said file inputmeans is not stored in said file storage means, said file replacementmeans for storing the read file in said file storage means.
 17. Theinformation processing system as claimed in claim 15, further comprisingfile replacement means, if a different file having a same identificationinformation as the file read through a file input means is stored in afile storage means, for replacing the different file with the read file,if a different file having the same identification information as thefile read through said file input means is not stored in said filestorage means, said file replacement means for discarding the read file.18. The information processing system as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: file storage means for storing program file, descriptionfile, or any other file; file operation input means for inputtingidentification information of a file from an external system connectedto a network and command information for adding, replacing, or deletingthe file; and file information input means for inputting a filereference information to the file to be added or replaced if the commandinformation is to add or delete.
 19. The information processing systemas claimed in claim 1, further comprising: display data holding controlmeans for managing display data stored on an external storage mediumadded to the information processing module.
 20. The informationprocessing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said storage means isfor storing a source data of display data; and said display data gettingmeans generates display data from said source data.